Saturday night was teased with spring-like weather that melted the ice on the roads and the snow on the grass (40 degrees is pretty much bikini weather in Chicago *shimmies*), so my cousin rounded up her friends and invited us to a downtown sports bar to drink warm beers in honor of her birthday. And while arriving at this crowded sports bar and nudging my way slowly passed the bevvy of friends splitting pitchers and the guys shouting pointers at the TVs, I played with the buttons on my coat as I weaved left and right, feeling for the first time in a long time...awkward.

Being in a relationship for two years meant you knew the sucker you roped in liked everything about you- from the I Love Lucy dresses you donned to your penchant of wearing only beat up boots. And knowing they liked your odd little quirks gave you the confidence to never stray away from being that eccentric little weirdo that you are. But as I stood by the high-top table and shrugged my coat off, I became pricklingly aware that no one in there looked like me. All the girls were in sequined something-or-others and sheer here-and-theres, with their long curls looking all perfect as they flirted and hair-flipped. And here I was standing in a midi dress with a turtleneck underneath, with my hair chopped like a boy's and salt stained lace-up boots on my feet. Suffice it to say I didn't feel like any boy would be tripping over himself to tap me on the shoulder and offer to buy me a drink. Not when I probably looked like I had the American version of a burqa on.

But even though I was guilty of playing with my necklace nervously here and there, I didn't really let the odd-man-out feeling get to me. Because in the end I'd feel sillier wearing something that didn't use to belong to someone's grandmother, and I really do genuinely like the person I grew up to be. So pass me the burqa and I'll buy my own drink ;)

"Never try to be another, and you will become mature. Maturity is accepting the responsibility of being oneself, whatsoever the cost. Risking all to be oneself, that's what maturity is all about." -Osho

And speaking of my style, this has got to be one of my favorite looks this year! When I picked this suede skirt from Whhttt Vintage, I knew some amazing boho outfits would be created around it. I've always loved turtleneck crop tops, and when I finally bought one this past weekend I knew the two had to go together. Then I added my blanket-like fringed sweater to give the look a more cozy feel, and voila! An easy weekend outfit that will take you from watching Will & Grace marathons on the couch to playing chess with your brother in the library. And if you want an eccentric or boho piece of your own, be sure to check out Whhttt Vintage here!

And here are my favorite selections that Whhttt Vintage has in stock right now- how fun is that berry colored leather skirt?

45 comments
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What can I say - you look stunning!! I love the way you've put that outfit together. Bohemian style is just something I have never been able to pull off. I find being short and very petite I get rather swamped by a lot of things. Also, the hat :-) Be proud of your style. You look fabulous!Missy

This is totally one of my favorite looks of yours! The cropped turtleneck, the hat, and that amazing cardigan... everything balances perfectly! I've totally felt the same way at a bar and in everyday life with what i like to wear, but I've mostly learned to embrace it!xo Hannahhttp://thebraidedbandit.blogspot.com

Loved reading your bar-story. It's so true. Never try to be someone else! I have great admiration for people with their own style like you. It shows that you are very confident and determined and that is what makes someone beautiful! Love this outfit and that hat suits you amazingly well!

I read this post and about cried a little,but you are so right--we are all different AND you are very sure of yourself, you should be proud of who you have become! You're classy and unique...not just some replica of everyone else! And I'm obsessed with Lucilla Ball so keep on keepin' on!! And happy new year!

Thanks for stopping by my blog! Such a fun hat! I have been searching for one in that style.. though maybe in more of a camel color for me. :) I love the lip color that you are using! & how fun that you wear so much vintage clothing! I have accrued quite the jewelry collection, some hats, silk scarves and a pair of shoes. I find that vintage clothing is not typically accommodating for busty ladies.. :( I do have one dress I found recently that I love, though it's a bit snug.. and a old London Fogg trench coat :) -Alexandra

I LOVE your fringe sweater- so darn unique. I'm a huge fan of your style, it shows that you have character. I think it's important to be one of a kind than like all the rest of the girls who are identical in both style and mannerisms. Props to you! You look great!

That sports bar situation sounds familiar! Props to you for staying true to yourself and your style - it's not always an easy feat. Try to remember that you'll never know how many people have looked at you and thought "She looks fantastic! I wish I had the guts to wear something like that."

I feel like that every time I go to the local bar in the tiny town I live in. And it has definitely taken some time to embrace that fact, but now I just say 'Screw it!'. And can I just say that I absolutely adore this outfit! I love the combo of the skirt and the sweater!

I am definitely digging this whole look. Love the cropped turtleneck with that skirt. Everything just looks very nice together. Also your lipstick is amazing!

I tend to stick out whenever I am dragged into a bar or even worse a club. I am always by far the most covered girl there. Recently I went to a bar with my boyfriend and his family and like always I was the most covered girl there. I had jeans, a blouse, sweater, and jacket but I've learned to embrace it. That's just my style, I wouldn't feel like myself if I tried to be like other girls with their long hair, high heels, and short dresses. Like I told my boyfriend recently I rather dress different than be like everyone else. :-)

This is my favorite look yet! The cropped knit and gorgeous cord skirt were made for each other and you. Have you broken up with the bf? Sorry I've been a little MIA on the blogosphere during the silly season so I feel like such a bad friend when I read this and realized you may have gone through huge, dramatic life shifts! Eeek! Apologies my love. You are a knock out lady, totally stylish, independent and confident. Don't feel too left out in a room full of people who dress and and look the same. It's your originality and uniqueness that makes you truly special and stand out even more. And will catch the eye of a worthy companion!

Okay, this is one of my favorite outfits from you ever. And I love your style, so this one really, really rocks. To me it is a little bit sexy with the middriff just barely showing, and yet the vest thing and suede give it a delightful southwestern vibe. You don't look like everying else in that bar, but then, why would you? You look so much more fantastic, like someone who just walked off a movie screen.

I love your positive thoughts about this too (and would like to point out that the gent that does offer to buy you a drink when you don't look like a dime a dozen is also more likely gonna be someone you want to have a conversation with!) :D

I'm really loving your poncho.The bar situation really hit home because it sounds all too familiar. Go you for being true to yourself. It's not always easy to stand out from the crowd but you always do it fabulously. Keep being you - you are fantastic both inside and out :]

what a great post! in my opinion, confidence is the best, most attractive feature - so if you are confident in your style, it definitely doesn't matter how everyone else looks. In fact, when I hear someone ask if a certain thing is "in" or not it makes me cringe. Because if you like it, it fits you, then wear it! And wear it proud because it's YOURS and no one else's! I do love this look of yours. I want to wrap myself up in that sweater!Thanks for being so candid and honest about your feelings! It makes for a really enjoyable read!morepom.blogspot.com

Aw, I so admire your cojones for being who you are, wearing what you love, and just going out and going for it. I'm probably the girl in the sequin-something-or-other...and I already know it's overdone. I just can't help liking it, the way you can't help liking what you like! But it's always so refreshing to see someone marching to a different beat!On the Daily Express

I think wearing something that used to belong to someone's grandmother is awesome. You have something unique going on and people are just too strung up on "sheer here-and-theres" to appreciate it (not that I have anything against "sheer here-and-theres" because I sometimes like them, too). But someone will come along and see it in all its glory, so keep showing off that fabulous suede skirt. Also, short haircuts are great.

Oh Marlen, I think you'd look so weird and silly if you tried wearing some sparkly skirt or sheer cut out top. Aha, I'm glad you stay true to yourself, and you're an inspiration to girls everywhere because of that! Some guy deserving of your quirky self will appreciate your style and unique look. :) Also, who cares what else is wearing, because I LOVE this look! You're a master at making one-of-a-kind outfits! The print and color of this sweater is perfection, and personally, you are rocking that cropped turtleneck <3

Sometimes it's hard keeping a granny/vintage style while others are sporting some sexy leather dresses :D I've been in the same spot as you, but you know what? I don't feel myself when I'm in those kind of clothes. I feel happy and comfortable and sexy in the most dreaded pieces known to man, so big woof.And after all, getting a guy's attention is the easiest thing to do. Just show more skin. :DLove this awesome cropped top and that poncho looks soooo freakin gorgeous!!!

I've been with my man for 2 and a half years, yet I still totally get what you are talking about. Sometimes I walk out of the house thinking that he (and others around) are going to turn their nose up at me. To my surprise, he always tells me I look nice, before I can even ask him his opinion. I'm so grateful for that, like you said, because it gives me the confidence I need some days when I'm feeling a bit like the odd one out.

Marlen! You're wearing a crop top! The scandal!! Ha, just kidding. I totally get what you mean here. Though my style is not quite as daring as yours, I always feel a little strange wearing something high-waisted when I go out, in a sea of bodycon. Not to mention going to parties in high school where everyone was wearing tiny shorts and I showed up in a sweet little dress. Been there! You do you, girlfriend.

First of all, I really like the quote that you posted. Second of all, you look amazing and guys at sports bars are usually lame anyways. Seriously though, you look like you stepped out of a Free People catalog and you would not feel awkward at all if you wore this in Los Angeles haha. Kudos to you for not sacrificing who you are for other people :)

Haha - I felt awkward with you just reading that post! Well said. I'm a natural introvert so this spoke to me in a different sense.

But Puh-lease - if a man ain't attracted to you for your lack of long curls (you're more of an Audrey anyways!) and your lack of decolletage, then all I have to say is you're better off without these witless men!

Great look too! I love how you styled everything. I want your sweater!

You are the coolest. And also, this outfit with the little tiny sliver of skin is sexier than those glittery girls who were probably showing all-out. I've always thought that leaving it to the imagination was much hotter (and so does my husband, so there!), and classier, and you're just cool anyway. I love the lipstick, and that sweater, and the hat, and yes. I love this.

I LOVE that you are able to own your style and be confident about the way you dress, even though you may look different from other girls. I've found that many college-aged girls do the whole leggings and Uggs thing, whereas I prefer a much more sophisticated, polished, and tailored look. And I love that about myself! I'd much rather stand out for who I am than fit in for looking like everyone else!